26 replies to this topic

[WouterF1]

I don't know where to post this. Is there a GPDA thread?

 

Edited by WouterF1, 23 February 2025 - 11:10.

[BRG]

So the two drivers getting the most leeway by stewards are GPDA Directors, how nice.

   Has Max been made a director too then?  I don't know of anyone since Schumacher who has been so far out of line so often.  

[Sterzo]

My point was Sainz and Russel make clear infractions which go unpunished when most other drivers are sanctioned. Verstappen is wavering on a suspension, he is getting penalties.

When should Sainz have been penalised but wasn't?

[SophieB]

Can we actually discuss the topic at hand, I.e. that the drivers are happy (do they formally vote?) for Carlos Sainz Jr to represent the collective driver issues, please. 
 

As ever, if you want to discuss my post further, please do so by PM only. 

[KWSN - DSM]

Can we actually discuss the topic at hand, I.e. that the drivers are happy (do they formally vote?) for Carlos Sainz Jr to represent the collective driver issues, please. 
 

As ever, if you want to discuss my post further, please do so by PM only. 

 

Apologies, have deleted them.

[KWSN - DSM]

GPDA is a toothless organization who have not shown itself capable of stemming the excesses of the current FIA President, it is a medal of participation not anything leading to anything.

[SophieB]

I do sometimes wonder what the value of it is, but I suppose if a driver was worried about being targeted for official reprisals* should he raise an issue personally, the organisation protects that in a ‘we all stand together’ type way.

 

*not saying he would be, just saying if a driver had concerns about that happening.

[KWSN - DSM]

I do sometimes wonder what the value of it is, but I suppose if a driver was worried about being targeted for official reprisals* should he raise an issue personally, the organisation protects that in a ‘we all stand together’ type way.

 

*not saying he would be, just saying if a driver had concerns about that happening.

 

Then we are on the contentions thin ice with who gets, and does not - Meaning the Russel and Verstappen contretemps last year which Russel who is on the GPDA leadership have vowed to continue. Used to be that one or several of the drivers did not join GPDA.

[pdac]

I do sometimes wonder what the value of it is, but I suppose if a driver was worried about being targeted for official reprisals* should he raise an issue personally, the organisation protects that in a ‘we all stand together’ type way.

 

*not saying he would be, just saying if a driver had concerns about that happening.

 

Has this ever been shown to be a definite thing in recent years? Would they really all stick up for one of their own if it were required? Or are those just fine words that mean nothing?

[SophieB]

Has this ever been shown to be a definite thing in recent years? Would they really all stick up for one of their own if it were required? Or are those just fine words that mean nothing?

Well, that note sent in before Christmas was seemingly the organisation getting the hump about all the fines for Verstappen (and someone else???) swearing, (wasn’t it? Tbh, I forget)

 

e. My memory wasn’t wholly accurate, they were also complaining about Wittich getting fired

https://forums.autos...ssell/?hl= gpda

[PrinceBira]

I think it’s interesting to see the 2 most political F1 drivers to get these roles.

I guess they are the most interested in these things whereas some (most?) others can’t be bothered.

How does the ‘election’ work? Do people nominate themselves and then the other drivers vote?

[KWSN - DSM]

Presume that with as many 'not currently a member' the 2025 Membership scrolls have not been updated, the below are currently not listed as members.

 

Liam Lawson

Kimi Antonelli

Jack Doohan

Isack Hadjar

Gabriel Bortoleto

Lewis Hamilton

Oliver Bearman

Oscar Piastri

[jcbc3]

Sure about that? This says 'Class of 2024'

 

[KWSN - DSM]

Sure about that? This says 'Class of 2024'

 

 

Not sure at all, I asked Copilot team by team and were told as posted, I should made that disclaimer as well.

[KWSN - DSM]

AI continue to insist Hamilton is not, does not seem as if GPDA list their membership anywhere.

 

[Autodromo]

Sure about that? This says 'Class of 2024'

 

But this is 2025

[ArchieTech]

But this is 2025

That picture is the most up to date knowledge we have, so at the very least it suggests every driver who finished the 2024 season was a member at the time given the title of "GPDA class of 2024" so there's no particular reason to believe any of them that are still driving have left (or didn't join at all.) It also nicely shows the limitations of generative AI.

[KWSN - DSM]

That picture is the most up to date knowledge we have, so at the very least it suggests every driver who finished the 2024 season was a member at the time given the title of "GPDA class of 2024" so there's no particular reason to believe any of them that are still driving have left (or didn't join at all.) It also nicely shows the limitations of generative AI.

 

Agree.

 

Would be easier if GPDA simply listed the members, with all the pitfalls of using Wikipedia as a source of correct information, and acknowledging this statement cover primarily 2017, it is not a given a driver chose to be a member.

 

Membership of GPDA is not compulsory. During the 2017 season, nine drivers and two free practice drivers declined to join. However, by the end of the year, every F1 driver agreed to join the organisation for possibly the first time in association history.

 

Over the years, drivers have declined to join the organization for a variety of reasons, such as Lewis Hamilton (lack of time and excessive entry fees), Michael Schumacher (personal distaste for the GPDA chairman), Kimi Räikkönen (lack of interest), and Max Verstappen (felt attacked by several drivers who were GPDA members and doubtful of the organization's effectiveness), although Hamilton, Schumacher, Räikkönen, and Verstappen all eventually reconsidered.

[Risil]

I think it’s interesting to see the 2 most political F1 drivers to get these roles.

Well it's a political role, right?

[PrinceBira]

Well it's a political role, right?

Yeah and that’s scary to me. It’s an easy instrument to push your own agenda. Both Russell and Sainz are masters in that.

Hence my question how they were selected. If it’s a driver decision …

[baddog]

Yeah and that’s scary to me. It’s an easy instrument to push your own agenda. Both Russell and Sainz are masters in that.

Hence my question how they were selected. If it’s a driver decision …

Its a responsibility taking ones time unpaid.

[BRG]

The GPDA is basically a social club.  Not sure what all the hand-wringing here is about.  The GPDA has zero influence on how race direction and stewarding is carried out.

 

And clearly the other members aren't bothered by George and Carlos's "agenda".  Or maybe they know that they haven't got one, unlike the conspiracy theorists on this forum.

[ATM]

Well, from the drivers' point of view, I guess it can't hurt having a driver representative who can be political too în the FIA meetings (also slightly sneaky and not afraid to go against the current). This is still a piranha club, always was-and we're not talking about some run-of-the-mill summon to the stewards either, where you can wiggle out of a corner with some late braking claims and half-founded theories- this îs another level; the drivers need strong counter-balance in meetings that really matter. Carlos with George are a good pick, I'd say.

[Sterzo]

And clearly the other members aren't bothered by George and Carlos's "agenda".  Or maybe they know that they haven't got one, unlike the conspiracy theorists on this forum.

Indeed, they were both elected by the other drivers.

[KWSN - DSM]

I am interested in the conspiracy theories.

[pdac]

Well, that note sent in before Christmas was seemingly the organisation getting the hump about all the fines for Verstappen (and someone else???) swearing, (wasn’t it? Tbh, I forget)

 

e. My memory wasn’t wholly accurate, they were also complaining about Wittich getting fired

https://forums.autos...ssell/?hl= gpda

 

So when they are really miffed about something, they will send a sharply written note expressing their disapproval. That's an organisation that has teeth, I guess.

Edited by pdac, 24 February 2025 - 18:04.

[DW46]

Don’t worry those letters all just get filed in a nice secure box or if sent digitally right click > delete > empty trash.